At its Aug. 18 meeting, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors discussed the impact of state budget cuts on the county and agreed to review changes to an ordinance that could strengthen the rights of renters facing eviction.
Faced with a deficit caused by the state’s taking of Proposition 1A funds, the board was set to discuss the approval of further budget revisions to officially close the county’s books for the 2009-10 fiscal year.
According to the financial status update issued by the county’s executive office and auditor controller, the county’s cuts and furloughs weren’t enough to offset the combination of declines in property and sales taxes, and state withholdings.
The report recommended more spending cuts, which Supervisor Joni Gray (4th District) said came as no surprise to the board.
“The county is going to have to make more cuts. I hope it’ll be across the board so no specific area will get the majority,” Gray told the Sun before the meeting.
Gray said the board might have to “borrow against the debt of the state,” taking Proposition 1A money that will eventually be repaid.
In addition to borrowing the money, the board was set to discuss other revenue-increasing measures, including making changes to salaries and benefits, and reductions in service levels.
The board asked its its staff to return on Sept. 22 with budget revision requests.
Also, the board unanimously agreed to discuss amending Ordinance 4444, a measure that defines the rights of landlords and tenants in rental properties. The board will look into expanding the law to provide financial assistance to renters forced out of their homes because of circumstances beyond their control, including demolition and remodeling.
Supervisor Salud Carbajal (1st District) said it was important for the board to talk about
modifying the ordinance so it would be fairer to renters.
“The law is aimed at out-of-town, absentee landlords who don’t have any regard for the well-being of their tenants,” Carbajal said.
Also on the agenda, the board planned to consider the construction of a 9,922 square-foot building to serve as the Santa Barbara County Emergency Operations Center. The project is expected to cost the county $5 million.
As of press time, the board had yet to discuss the budget or the Emergency Operations Center.
This article appears in Aug 20-27, 2009.